McDonald’s Apple Pie: the tasty copycat recipe for mini apple pies

Who doesn't love biting into a warm mini McDonald's apple pie? If you love McDonald's apple pie beyond their classic burgers or fries, you can make even tastier versions at home! This copycat McDonald's apple pie recipe couldn't be simpler to make. You can make beautiful, rectangular, delicious mini apple pies with the same sweet, tart apple filling wrapped in buttery, crispy, flaky pastry.

These pocket-sized pies are an ideal dessert when you're in the mood for a sweet treat. Enjoy them warmed on their own or serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What are McDonald's Style Apple Pies?

These delicious mini apple pies are a mouthwatering fast food dessert served at McDonald's. They're made from tart green apples mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and other ingredients and baked into flaky puff pastry.

The pie was first developed in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has been on the McDonald's menu since the late 1960s. The apple pies were originally fried, but are now baked to make them slightly healthier.

What is the Best Type of Apple for McDonald's Apple Pies?

As with any dessert recipe made with apples, tart apples are the way to go. Granny Smith is the most popular, but you can also use Jonagold, Honey Crisp, and Braeburn also work well if you want slightly sweeter apples.

Copycat McDonald's Apple Pie Ingredients

The filling for homemade McDonald's apple pies is made from apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and white sugar mixed with a little lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.

To thicken the filling, a cornstarch slurry is added.

The filling is cooked then cooled down and wrapped in puff pastry brushed with egg wash.

How to Make Copycat McDonald's Apple Pie

Ready to make the best-ever copycat McDonald's apple pies? Start by making that beautiful apple pie filling. Cook the apples, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add in the cornstarch mixture and cook the filling for another few minutes, until it thickens. Take the pan off the heat and leave the filling to cool completely. Whisk cinnamon and brown sugar together.

In a second bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Flour a work surface and roll the pastry out into a square. Slice into eight equal rectangles. Place 4 of the rectangles onto baking trays lined with parchment paper.

Put a large spoonful of the filling down the center of each pastry. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg mixture, then put the remaining pastry over the filling. Seal the edges with a fork. Make a few slits in the top of each mini pie so the steam can escape while they're cooking. Brush with egg wash and garnish with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes at 400F, or until golden brown.

Tips for McDonald's Apple Pies

Make vegan copycat McDonald's apple pies by using vegan puff pastry and leaving out the egg wash. You can brush the pies with plant milk or water to help them brown.

For an ultra-tasty treat, you can fry your homemade McDonald's apple pie in an air fryer. Prepare the pies according to the recipe then fry them at 360F for 5 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Use a sharp knife to make the slits in the pies.

You may need to stretch the puff pastry to fit it over the filling.

You can add other spices to your apple pies, like allspice, vanilla, or ginger.

How to Store Homemade McDonald's Apple Pies

Let the pies cool, then wrap them and store them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze McDonald's Apple Pies?

Definitely! Homemade McDonald's apple pies will last up to 4 months in the freezer.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400F. Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Whisk cinnamon and brown sugar together.

Dice apples into 1/2-inch cubes, the add them in a large bowl.

Add the sugar.

Add in the brown sugar.

Pour in the lemon juice.

Toss in the cinnamon, nutmeg and water.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes, periodically stirring. Stir in the cornstarch mixture.

Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened. Take the pan off the heat and leave the filling to cool completely. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.

Lightly flour a work surface. Roll the pastry out into a 12×12-inch square.

Slice into eight 3×6-inch rectangles.

Place 4 rectangles onto a baking tray. Place a large spoonful of the filling down the center of each pastry.

Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg.

Place the remaining rectangles over the filling and fit to cover, then seal the edges with a fork.

Cut slits into the top of each mini pie.

Brush with egg wash.

Garnish with cinnamon sugar.

Spread the sugar mixture evenly.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!